Wegmans drops mask requirement for workers
It’s something you haven’t seen in nearly two years, but today is the day: Wegmans employees without masks.
On Friday, the Rochester-based supermarket chain announced that, in addition to shoppers, workers no longer will have to wear face coverings in stores, unless mandated at the state or local level.
On Feb. 10, Gov. Kathy Hochul discontinued New York’s mask mandate for businesses, and Monroe County Executive Adam Bello lifted it for employees and visitors at county facilities.
At that time, Wegmans dropped its mask requirement for customers and said it was working through the issue of whether employees would have to keep wearing them.
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Despite Friday’s announcement ending the requirement, workers still will have the option to wear masks if they choose, a Wegmans spokesperson said via email.
Last month after Hochul’s announcement, Tops Friendly Markets stopped requiring shoppers and workers to wear masks. However, "We encourage anyone who prefers to wear a face covering to continue to do so," it said in a statement.
Wegmans was criticized early in the coronavirus pandemic for being too slow to allow workers to don protective gear, including masks. Then, on April 2, 2020, the company stated that “any employee who feels more comfortable wearing a mask while working may do so.” A few days later, the Wegmans said it would provide masks to its workforce.
Reporter Marcia Greenwood covers general assignments. Send story tips to mgreenwo@rocheste.gannett.com. Follow her on Twitter @MarciaGreenwood.
This article originally appeared on Rochester Democrat and Chronicle: Wegmans drops mask requirement for employees
